AUSTIN, Texas – A recent case of attempted fraud in Texas underscores how disaster survivors can be victimized by fraudsters.A Texas family received a bogus “notice” sporting the FEMA logo, assuring the family that it qualified for large sums of assistance. All they needed to do was to put a few thousand dollars in cash into an envelope and leave it in their mailbox. FEMA would come around and pick it up. Then the family would get a fat payoff in assistance. The notice was a total scam.The family was also...

Official website of the Department of Homeland SecurityOriginal linkOriginal author: daniel.green2

AUSTIN, Texas — Residents of Jim Wells County who suffered damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred from June 19 - July 13, 2018 might now be eligible for programs that address certain needs. After conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments in the county, FEMA amended the Major Disaster Declaration of July 6 to include Jim Wells County for its Individuals and Households Program.  FEMA encourages survivors of the flooding to self-assess their situation. For homeowners and renters, first determine if your home is safe, sanitary and functional. If your dwelling fails...

Disaster survivors from Hidalgo and Cameron counties who are rebuilding and repairing their homes after the severe storms and floods of June 18-July 13, 2018, are urged to rebuild safer and stronger. Mitigation experts say this is an opportunity to rebuild by taking steps to use more flood-resistant building materials.  By using more flood-resistant materials, survivors can reduce the damage caused by future flood waters and make cleanup easier. Building materials are considered flood-resistant if they can withstand direct contact with flood waters for up to 72 hours without being significantly...

MYTH: I have to wait for the inspector before I can throw things out and start cleaning out the mud or making repairs. FACT: No. Anything that absorbed water needs to be removed from the home as soon as possible. This includes wallboard and flooring materials where mold can grow. Be sure to take pictures of damage, keep all receipts and continue working on the home. MYTH: I can’t register with FEMA until my insurance claim has been completed. FACT: You can register with FEMA even if your claim is not completed. MYTH: Survivors can’t...